"This is going to put more people off and we're going to have more situations where they're withdrawing services."

But another added: "I think people would rather keep the airport open than not have an airport."

Alex Folkes is leading the budget consultation at the council, which owns the site. He said: "Clearly there are issues at the moment which we are desperately trying to resolve. But it provides a good service for business. It also provides a good service for businesses in Cornwall - bringing holidaymakers and other visitors into Cornwall, who spend money in the Cornish economy.

"What we want to do is concentrate on trying to reduce the subsidy that's paid directly, try to get more airlines operating from Newquay airport and try to get more services operating both into and out of Cornwall."